Recipes

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Homemade Hot Chocolate: Sweet, creamy and heavenly. If you were wondering how I would like to spend every winter evening, it is curled up, with my hands wrapped around a warm mug of hot chocolate. Bonus points if that hot chocolate is topped with freshly whipped cream and a heavy sprinkle of chopped dark chocolate.


Ingredients

  • 4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar
  • ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract


Instructions

Place milk, cocoa powder and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling). Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until the chocolate chips melt and distribute evenly into the milk. Whisk in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired), serve immediately. 




Crafts

DIY Winter Lantern


Now, let me paint a picture for you: imagine a chilly afternoon, snowflakes drifting like tiny fairies outside your window. Inside, you and your little ones are settled at the kitchen table, a variety of colors and textures spread before you, and laughter fills the air as you embark on this crafting journey together. Simple yet enchanting, your homemade lantern can brighten up those chilly nights, making it a perfect project to cherish.


What You’ll Need

-Clear glass jar or a large plastic container (ensure it’s clean and dry)

-Battery-operated tea lights (for safe illumination)

-Paint or tissue paper (in winter colors: blue, white, silver)

-Mod Podge or all-purpose glue (child-safe)

-Paintbrush (for applying glue)

-Scissors (adult supervision required)

-Optional: glitter, stickers, or any decorations to personalize


Setup Tip:

Before you begin, cover your crafting surface with newspaper or a plastic tablecloth. Separating supplies into bowls or trays can help organize your materials and keep the excitement flowing. Pre-cut any tough-to-manage items as needed, especially if younger hands are crafting!


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Jar
  2. Start by wiping down the inside of the jar or container. Make sure it’s completely clean so that your lantern shines bright!
  3. Design the Lantern
  4. Now it’s time for creativity! Have the kids paint or apply tissue paper to the exterior of the jar using Mod Podge. Let them explore colors and designs! Use a brush to apply glue to the jar, then gently layer your chosen paper. Encourage free expression; there’s no right or wrong way to design!
  5. Set for Drying
  6. After the decorating part, place your lantern in a warm spot to dry completely. This might take 30 minutes, so it’s a great time to enjoy a warm drink together.
  7. Add Decorations
  8. Once dry, if desired, sprinkle a bit of glitter for that extra winter sparkle or add stickers. Let the kids lead this step as they personalize their creations!
  9. Light It Up
  10. Carefully drop a battery-operated tea light inside the jar. Turn it on, and watch the magic appear! Encourage your little ones to tell a story, pretending it’s a lighthouse or a cozy cabin in the woods.

Mini Tip: Allow their imaginations to roam during storytelling, what kind of adventures can happen with their lanterns?




Print

Book Recommendation 

A Dog’s Purpose—the #1 New York Times bestseller and major motion picture—is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series.

Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog’s Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love.

The family film told from the dog’s perspective also stars Britt Robertson, KJ Apa, John Ortiz, Peggy Lipton, Juliet Rylance, Luke Kirby, Pooch Hall and Dennis Quaid. A Dog’s Purpose is produced by Gavin Polone (Zombieland, TV’s Gilmore Girls). The film from Amblin Entertainment and Walden Media will be distributed by Universal Pictures. Screenplay by W. Bruce Cameron & Cathryn Michon and Audrey Wells and Maya Forbes & Wally Wolodarsky.

Heartwarming, insightful, and often laugh-out-loud funny, A Dog's Purpose is not only the emotional and hilarious story of a dog's many lives, but also a dog's-eye commentary on human relationships and the unbreakable bonds between man and man's best friend. This moving and beautifully crafted story teaches us that love never dies, that our true friends are always with us, and that every creature on earth is born with a purpose.

Bailey's story continues in A Dog's Journey, the charming New York Times and USA Today bestselling direct sequel to A Dog's Purpose.

A Dog's Purpose Series
#1 A Dog’s Purpose
#2 A Dog’s Journey
#3 A Dog's Promise

Seasonal Tips

Winter ❄️

Prevent Frozen Pipes – Let faucets drip in extreme cold and keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air. 

Use Rugs & Curtains – They help insulate and keep your space warmer.

Be Prepared for Storms – Keep emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, and non-perishable food. Most local utility companies will post updates on outages on their website where you can check when the lights might come back on. 

Monitor Heating Bills – Use space heaters wisely and dress in layers to save energy.

Holiday Decor & Safety – Use LED lights and avoid overloading outlets.

Pointers for Moving

Before the Move:

  1. Read Your Lease Carefully – Understand your lease terms, including security deposits, move-in dates, and any restrictions.
  2. Notify Current Landlord – Give proper notice as required in your lease to avoid penalties.
  3. Create a Moving Checklist – List all tasks, such as packing, hiring movers, and updating your address, turning on/off utilities. 
  4. Set a Budget – Account for moving costs, security deposit, utility setup fees, and other expenses.
  5. Declutter Before Packing – Donate, sell, or discard items you no longer need to lighten your load.
  6. Gather Packing Supplies – Collect boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and markers for labeling.
  7. Label Everything – Clearly mark boxes by room and contents to make unpacking easier.
  8. Take Photos of Your Current Apartment – Document any damages before moving out to ensure you get your security deposit back.


Moving Day:

  1. Pack an Essentials Box – Include toiletries, clothes, chargers, and important documents for easy access.
  2. Use Proper Lifting Techniques – Avoid injuries by lifting with your legs and not your back.
  3. Check Apartment Condition – Inspect your new place for damages and report them to the landlord immediately by filling out the "Move In Inspection/Acceptance Form" and take pictures of damage you note to retain until you vacate the unit. 
  4. Confirm Utility Setups – Ensure water, electricity, internet, and other services are active.
  5. Meet the Neighbors – Introduce yourself to start on a positive note in your new community.


After the Move:

  1. Unpack Strategically – Start with essentials, then move on to other rooms gradually.
  2. Change Your Address – Update it with your bank, employer, subscriptions, and DMV.
  3. Test Appliances and Fixtures – Check if everything is working properly and report issues to your landlord.
  4. Secure Your Home – Check locks on doors and windows to confirm they work properly, check smoke detectors, and familiarize yourself with emergency exits.
  5. Decorate and Organize – Make the space feel like home by arranging furniture and adding personal touches.



Most importantly, take your time, have fun and reach out to your property manager with any questions, or concerns, you have as you acquaint yourself with your new home.